Natural disasters happen all over the world. They include floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, landslides, and wildfires. Every family needs a plan in case an unexpected disaster strikes a home or community. Disaster plans will vary, and each family should consider the type of emergency most likely to occur.
Common Natural Disasters
Flooding is a common emergency. Some floods, called flash floods, develop quickly following heavy rainfall, and they usually affect only a limited area. Other floods develop slowly and affect large areas. Although some floods occur in places never affected before, many places flood often. If you live in such an area, your family should be prepared at all times. Have an emergency kit, food and water, and a plan for evacuation, or leaving the affected area.
Hurricanes usually occur in coastal states. They are predicted several days to as much as a week ahead of time. When a hurricane strikes, high winds can cause serious damage, and flooding is possible. Flooding results from a surge of water from the ocean or gulf. Authorities can mandate that you go to a different location, so it is good to have an evacuation route planned. You might want to arrange to stay with friends or relatives. Many communities open centers that are safer than homes in a hurricane. If your center does not accept pets, you will need an alternate plan for the pet. Ahead of time, make sure your pet has had immunizations. An ID tag will help if you and your pet get separated, and a carrier or cage will protect your pet.
Tornadoes are violent storms that can do serious damage—and that can develop with little warning. Just before one touches down, you would notice one or more of the following:
a dark sky
large-size hail
air that is ominously still
a low cloud that might be rotating, or turning, in a circle
a loud roar
If you are in a building when a tornado is brewing, go to a basement or an inside room. Experts say that you should stay away from windows and outside walls. If you are outside, lie flat in the lowest place. Cover your head with your hands.
There are steps everyone should take no matter what the risks are in your area. First, it is important that your family meets to make a plan before a disaster occurs so that you all know how to act in an emergency situation. You will need to decide on a place for everyone to meet following a disaster, and you will need to know where the emergency supplies are kept. In an emergency like a fire, plan to meet at a location right outside.
Remember that family members might be in school and at work when a disaster strikes. So, plan to go to a place where you can meet if you cannot return home. It is good to have a charged cell phone handy.
Below is a checklist you can use to be prepared for an emergency.
Gather Emergency Supplies
For each person, 1 gallon of water a day for 3–7 days
Packaged and canned meats and fish, fruits, and vegetables
Manual can opener
Special foods for family members, such as baby food
Pet food if you have a pet
First-aid kit with bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic, and scissors
Portable radio
Flashlight/batteries
Other Items
Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
Paper towels and other paper products
Trash bags
Sturdy shoes and warm clothing
Blankets/sleeping bags
Knowing what to expect and being prepared for the worst will help you and your family survive in an emergency.
